Re: Wow-what an update...

Hey Marissa, sorry I didn't see this until now
I'm glad you had a talk with your brother, but I would tell your mom to continue in whatever way she already was because he may say he wants to enter DAYTOP, but kids will say anything to bargain their fate. I really think your mom needs to continue to be a pain in everyone's azz until SOMEONE helps her. Tell her to talk to anyone who will listen. ANYONE. Maybe have her contact a social worker or a lawyer who may be able to guide her as to what her options are.
If she is not willing to press charges against him, I don't know what else to do. It's really a scary thing to think about, but I know firsthand that it's what it takes. Even (and this is going to sound HORRIBLE) if your mom has to lie and say he hit her or something. I hate that I just wrote that, but when it comes to the well-being of your child, you just have to do what it takes sometimes. Please no one flame me for saying that. I've just seen very similar situations, and anything your mom can do to get the ball rolling is good.

Re: Wow-what an update...

Okay, so I'm a real dope...I forgot to tell you earlier that when the advocate meets up with you and your mom next week, tell her to try to get Nassau Suffolk Law Svcs to help you; they have a clinic of law students who are supervised by a practicing attorney that can help you in the courtroom. I send Neelofer a note reminding her of this. It will definitely help you mom out if she has an attorney in the courtroom w/her.